The panther was found dead Dec. 7 in the Big Cypress National Preserve with a suspected gunshot wound. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are investigating. Anonymous tips can be reported to the state wildlife commission at 888-404-3922.

"The Florida panther is one of the most endangered mammals in the United States. This is a serious incident and we are asking the public to assist us with discovering details related to this incident," Big Cypress National Preserve Superintendent Pedro Ramos said.

Florida panthers are protected under the Endangered Species Act. Unlawfully killing one is a third-degree felony with a maximum penalty of a year in prison and $100,000 in fines.

Bob DeGross of the National Park Service says the panther was an 18-month-old female implanted with a microchip.